Apologize for LGBT persecution in the Canadian Forces

Why this is important

Until the ban on homosexuals was lifted in 1992, lesbians and gays were sought out and persecuted in the Canadian Forces. Viewed as a threat to national security, soldiers and officers were discharged dishonourably under regulation CFAO 19-20 Sexual Deviation Homosexuality-Sexual-Abnormality-Investigation, Medical Examination and Disposal which stated, ‘Service policy does not allow homosexual members or members with a sexual abnormality to be retained in the Canadian Forces’.

Careers were lost, and in some cases lives were taken, as the Canadian Forces conducted a clandestine operation that lasted for decades, searching for evidence of prohibited behaviour. In addition to dismissal, the accused were stripped of all government benefits, including health-care, and denied any chance at possible reinstatement.

Previous attempts by politicians and citizens have been swept aside and ignored by federal leadership, and it's time to do the right thing. A soldier is a soldier. We call on the Canadian government to finally recognize its history of discrimination and restore veterans' benefits to the many officers and soldiers who were removed from military service because of their sexual orientation.

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We ask the Minister of National Defence and Prime Minister of Canada to officially apologize for decades of discrimination against lesbians and gays who served with pride in the Canadian Forces and to reinstate an honourable discharge with full benefits.

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I do not want Avaaz to inform me of the results of this campaign, or any other action in the future.

We ask the Minister of National Defence and Prime Minister of Canada to officially apologize for decades of discrimination against lesbians and gays who served with pride in the Canadian Forces and to reinstate an honourable discharge with full benefits.